A party means that your bathroom is going to get a lot of extra use. This also means you’ll be running through more bathroom basics than usual. Keep extra toilet paper in stock and in sight so guests never find themselves in an embarrassing situation. Freestanding toilet paper holders make a fantastic solution.

Don’t stop with the toilet paper. Extra soap and a stack of hand towels that can be switched out throughout the night are also important necessities to keep in stock. Some air fresheners or fragrance dispensers to keep the room smelling rosy wouldn’t go amiss either.

Between paper plates and soda bottles, parties generate a lot of waste. Keep your space clean by providing clearly marked bins for trash and recycling. Don’t just rely on the ones in your kitchen. Place trash cans and recycling bins in any area your party extends, including your living area and yard. This will help guests feel more comfortable and help with quicker cleanup after the party is over.

Overprepare when it comes to drinks. A party that lasts for several hours (or maybe even all night, you party animal) is going to come with thirsty people. Plan for 2-3 beverages per person for the first hour of your party, and 1-2 drinks per person every hour after that. Set up a drink station so it is easy for guests to get a new soda or refill their water cup. Have a single area for large coolers filled with chilled bottled drinks and some pitchers or drink dispensers for water, punch, or lemonade. If your party stretches to the backyard, you may want to have two drink stations, one inside and one outside. Be sure to keep a large stack of cups or extra glasses and straws nearby.

Load up on the ice. Plan for around 2 pounds of ice per guest to cool their drinks, or up to 4 pounds if it is hot or if you’re serving cocktails. You will also need enough ice to fill any coolers, ice buckets, or chilled serving trays. If the party will last for several hours, you may need to replace that ice a couple of times, especially if it’s hot outside. It’s better to have too much ice than too little. If you have limited freezer space, an ice maker can produce fresh ice throughout the night.

Parties come with their fair share of spills and messes. Make them easy to clean up by keeping paper towels and napkins easily in reach. These paper goods are a necessity if you are serving messy foods like BBQ or nachos. Keep surfaces, mouths, and fingers clean with conveniently placed paper towel holders and napkin dispensers.

Because we live in the 21^st century, we all know the panic of a phone about to die. With picture taking and media sharing, it’s not surprising if batteries run low. It’s a good idea to have a place where guests can juice up their devices. Have a phone charging station or power strip available with a variety of cords. If you don’t like people being too distracted by their phones, consider keeping the charging station in an out-of-the-way corner so people have to break free from their devices for a little while.

Make sure you have extra chairs for your event. Even if you have a large living area, a few extra seats spaced around the room can create a more natural flow, making conversation easier. Bring in dining chairs or folding chairs to create that extra seating. Some throw pillows that can double as floor cushions can also add a comfortable vibe, making them the perfect choice for people who prefer to sit on the floor.

Once you have the food, be sure you can actually serve it. Place your food on platters, cheese and charcuterie boards, and serving bowls to neatly display your meals and goodies. This will keep you organized and make it easy for your guests to get their own food throughout the event.

Provide more plates, flatware, bowls, and glasses than you think you’ll need. Cups can get mixed up, plates can become too messy for the next course, and forks can fall on the floor. Whether they are disposable or reusable, have extras on hand so your guests can always be sure of a clean plate when they need it.

Parties tend to involve a lot of food. Often a lot more than you need. Send your guests home with food containers full of leftovers. Not only does this help expedite cleanup, it also gives your guests the feeling that they are being taken care of and that they had a great time.

Now that you’ve got the essentials down, get other ideas on hosting with our Entertaining and Hosting Guides.